Once a neighborhood shopping district for San Antonians, Market Square has evolved into a popular tourist destination. The buildings to the left have been reconditioned and the Museo Alameda has been added at right.

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When Texas A&M University-San Antonio staffers occupy the former Museo Alameda in November, they will be a step closer to creating a fine arts program at a school that currently has none.

But that's about as far as the planning has gone. The university will use the building for special events while working out a strategic plan with the city's Office of Cultural Affairs, university spokeswoman Marilu Reyna said Thursday.

“We know that if we want to do something right, it's going to take time,” she said. “If for the sake of just putting some pieces up on the wall, we're not going to do that. We want to be very thorough.”

It will seek the advice of experts within the Texas A&M University System, such as those who helped develop the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station.

The next step may be coordinating a K-12 summer fine arts program, possibly as soon as next summer, involving student teachers from the university's school of education.

Reyna said students already have shown their interest in expanding campus fine arts offerings by starting a student choir and an international dance group.

The A&M San Antonio business school may offer courses and symposiums on international affairs and international business, focusing on Latin American relations, at the site, Reyna said. The university's library may also help arrange special collections.

The university will also seek donations from foundations and corporations, Reyna said.